The replica blank-firing pistol and a large quantity of drugs were discovered during a routine house call in Lower Caversham towards the end of August.

PCSO Dunford, who can not provide full details of the incident, said: “A call from a member of the public turned a routine shift into a night of excitement for PCSO Chloe Denny when she uncovered a large quantity of drugs and a replica firearm in a Lower Caversham property a couple of weeks ago.

“It was a long night for all those guarding the scene, but with the narcotics removed from circulation, the result was a good one for the Caversham team.”

He said no one had yet been arrested in connection with the incident and it looked as though the drugs were crack or heroin.